1-First Step: Preparation and Mise en Place Start by preheating your oven to 350˚F. This ensures that the bars bake evenly as soon as they hit the rack. Next, grab a 9×13 inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper. This step is crucial because it prevents the bars from sticking and makes lifting them out later a breeze. If you do not have parchment paper, a generous coating of non-stick spray will work in a pinch, but parchment is preferred for easy removal.

2-Second Step: Mixing the Dry Ingredients In a medium bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients. Add the 3 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/3 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1 teaspoon of baking soda. Whisking these together ensures that the leavening agent and salt are evenly distributed throughout the flour, which helps the bars rise uniformly. Health benefits of cocoa powder include minerals like iron and magnesium, making it a great addition to your pantry.

3-Third Step: Creaming Butter and Sugar In the bowl of a stand mixer (or a large bowl if using a hand mixer), cream together 1 cup of unsalted butter and 1 1/2 cups of granulated sugar. Beat them on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process usually takes about 2 to 3 minutes. Incorporating air into the butter and sugar at this stage is vital because it gives the bars a tender, cake-like texture rather than a dense one.

4-Fourth Step: Adding Eggs and Flavor With the mixer on low speed, add the 2 large eggs one at a time. Mix well after each addition before adding the next. Then, mix in the 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract. The eggs provide structure and moisture, binding the ingredients together. Once the eggs are fully incorporated, it is time for the fun part. Gradually add your red food gel or food coloring, mixing until you reach your desired shade of vibrant red. Gel coloring usually provides a deeper color with less liquid, which can affect the batter consistency.

5-Fifth Step: Combining Wet and Dry Ingredients Turn the mixer to the lowest speed. Slowly add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients. Mix just until the flour disappears. Be careful not to overmix at this stage. Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour, leading to tough, chewy bars. As soon as you no longer see streaks of white flour, stop the mixer.

6-Sixth Step: Baking the Bars Pour the batter into your prepared 9×13 inch pan. Use a spatula to spread the batter into an even layer. Bake for 15 to 18 minutes. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of the pan. If it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, the bars are done. If there is wet batter on the toothpick, give them a few more minutes. Let them cool completely in the pan before frosting.

7-Final Step: Making the Frosting and Decorating While the bars are cooling, prepare the frosting. In another mixer bowl, cream together 16 ounces of softened cream cheese and 1/2 cup of softened salted butter until smooth. Gradually add 3 1/2 cups of powdered sugar, mixing on low speed until combined, then increase speed to high and beat for 2 minutes. Mix in 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract. Once the bars are completely cool, spread the frosting evenly over the top. Finish by decorating with sprinkles for that festive touch. These bars pair wonderfully with a warm beverage, like Mini Earl Grey Honey Scones for a full tea-time spread.